Author Signing: Ally Carter

On Saturday, I had an amazing time at RJ Juila's where I got to see two awesome authors.

When I got there, they started up a raffle for these wicked cool Heist Society glasses. I would have LOVED them, sadly they were not available for anyone not a teen girl. One librarian did "win" but they refused to give a pair to her, which I thought was wrong. Then Ally came on:

Here she is talking. She mentions:

She knew she wanted to be a write very early on.
She found inspiration in S.E. Hinton - who lived roughly an hour from her
She wrote two adult novels before changing to YA
She felt like she was coming home (best description ever!)
She talked about her daily routine and staying in her PJs
She mentioned how she finds a nugget and then creates a story
She did talk about the movie and how she's glad the characters will be older because that might mean they can snag a movie star instead of an unknown.

In truth, she was sweet, funny, and adorable.

Plus she embarrassed Jennifer Lynn Barnes who was there with her, who has a new book coming out June 8th! And it looks awesome :)

Sadly, there were no spoilers for GG4, nor for the next Heist Society book.

Here we are the two of us together!

I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. Check out my review here if you missed it.

Movie Review: Percy Jackson

First I want to say that I'm a HUGE fan of the books and I think Rick Riordan rocks. That being said, movies are usually different from the books for various reasons - time constraints or to add more drama. Sometimes it's for the better or it works and sometimes it just doesn't.

I thought the movie was good, not great, but good.

Things I wish had made it into the movie:

• finding out about his father - while at Camp Half Blood
• Ares
• more time with the gods
• Chariot Races
  

Things I LOVED

• Medusa
• Grover
  Nashville and the Partheon - Yes, this was extraordinarily different, but awesomely so although the real statue of Athena looks like this:

Things I didn't like

• Luke - I didn't feel he was evil enough - seemed a little cheesy to me
• Capture the flag
• Mrs. Dodds not as a Math teacher
• The Gods' height, not in human form - felt really strange to me.
  

Things I didn't mind

• aging of the characters

Overall I do hope they continue with Sea of Monster

Contest Winners

Winners have been emailed!
thanks for entering
If you didn't win, check back near the end of the month for our next contest!

Spotted: Hunger Games 3

Looks awesome right?

Coming to you August 24th.

The day can't come soon even for me. I LOVE this series

Displays for the month

Just in time for the Percy Jackson movie - a mythology display.

The focal point of the display - Percy Jackson and Oh My Gods

I bought Percy Jackson bookmarks that say
The Greatest Heroes are Readers
and the back, there's a booklist of our fictional mythology books:

Avalon High

Book of Three

Nobody’s Princess

Oh My Gods

Percy Jackson series

Radiant Darkness

Runemarks

Sea Trolls

Secrets of Nicholas Flamel

Sirena

Sisters of Isis series

Sword of the Rightful King

Tattoo

Water Mirror

Why I Ley My Hair Grow Out

The other bookmarks are from Tera Lynn Childs for her second book, Goddess Boot Camp
they have: Are you Goddess enough? as a tagline. (charming!)
plus, Tera sent me these awesome buttons.
I confess that I swiped some for myself and the teens are gobbling up the rest of them.

plus, I was really lucky as Oh My Gods was just returned that day for the picture. It's hard to keep this series on the shelf :)

A small display for the the awesome Great Scavenger Hunt contest hosted by Kay Cassidy.

I should have take this picture a few weeks ago as there as a large display before the mythology one. By the time I thought of it, most of the books were all checked out.

a wall display of the Great Scavenger Hunt

a blurry picture of my wall valentine display - the hearts say funny library things like Books Rock and Love your Library.

Spotted: Rick Riordan

Here he is with his son Haley - the inspiration for Percy Jackson

His son,15, is now writing a book :)

Check out an article about them

Plus, you can read the first chapter of his new book!

Review: Bad Blood

Sunny's having boyfriend issues or vampire issues or really both since her boyfriend is the leader of the vampire coven. While she's his human girlfriend, the council feels he needs a blood mate to help him with the political side of his life. Enter Jane: a recent graduate from Oxford, political science of course, and a Rhodes scholar. Sunny can't complete with her brains, but why does she dress so trashy? Sunny questions her legitimacy and starts snooping. When Jane can't answer the simplest questions, Sunny knows that something's not right. When she takes her thoughts to Magnus, he dismisses her ideas as jealously. With the blood ritual only days away and in Los Vegas, Sunny's determined to uncover proof and stop the union. Will she uncover the proof she needs without loosing her life or her boyfriend?

A great addition to the series and talk about cliff hanger endings. OMG. When is the next book coming out? I enjoyed reading more about the family and look forward to see that storyline develop. I really enjoyed Stormy. Also I like how Sunny stood up to her boyfriend. If you haven't read this series, go back to BOYS THAT BITE first, check out the trailer here

Random: First I'm so happy that we're treated to more in this series

Cover: I do like the edgy new covers, I think they are very eye catching.

Review: Grimm Legacy

Elizabeth, the new girl in school, doesn't have any friends. When her social studies teacher Mr. Mauskopf recommends her for a job at a special library, things start looking up. During the job interview, she's given a box of buttons and asked to sort them. Elizabeth doesn't know quite what to make it of, but apparently she passes with flying colors. Then she discovers that the library doesn't hold many books, but it circulates a variety of items including hot chocolate pots. At first, she's confused, but soon learns that the library circulates old items, valuable items, and some magic items. The magic items are from the Grimm Collection - as in objects from the fairy tales. However the items from the Grimm collection seems to be losing their magic. Could someone be stealing it and with all the security, could it actually be an inside job?

Cover: It's hard to see because there aren't many pictures of this yet, but the tagline reads: Borrow the Magic...if you Dare. I love it. Plus the cover is very interesting and eye catching.

Thoughts: OMG, this library sounds amazing, I'd LOVE to work in it, although I would miss all the books. I love the idea of fairy tale items being available for circulation. While the fantastical elements made the story surprising and enjoyable, the mystery behind the magic moves the story. I simply devoured this book. I dearly hope this is the start of a new series.

*Out May 13th *
Read Chapter One

Copy provided by publisher at ALA Midwinter.

Review: Magic Under Glass

Ever since Nimira's mother died and her father gambled away their fortune, she's been singing and dancing for tiny wages. One night, her fortune changes when a gentleman watches her performance. While he offers her a job, she looks upon it as a chance for escape. Without hesitation, she takes him up on it. They travel to his estate where he informs her of his situation. He recently purchases an automaton and wishes her to sing with it. He briefly mentions that the automaton might be haunted as other girls have fled the house. Nimira's not sure what to think. The master of the house treats her as an almost equal. Nimira's not sure if he's flirting with her or not. When she hears rumors swirling about his wife, she's more confused than ever. While practice alone with the automaton, she discovers that the machine is holding a man trapped inside - thus creating the haunting effect. She quickly finds out a way to communicate with him. With each passing day, they grow closer, but danger sparks when some very powerful comes to visit and he also has a theory of about the automaton. Could Nimira lose everything she holds dear?

A wonderful debut novel that to me reads half regency (although it's not, but it does remind me of Jane Eyre) and half fantasy. Just a beautiful story, which continues in a sequel! There's been so much talk surrounding this cover, but I do want to say, however misguided, it's a beautifully eye-catching cover.


Read an interview with Jaclyn Dolamore

Copy *from Otis Library*

Read for 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge:

Review: Up Over Down Under

Eliza's dad works for the EPA in Washington D.C.. He's a highly respected position, which means Eliza's behavior plays a factor in his profile. As a result, she's been the perfect daughter, but when an opportunity arises for an exchange program, she's thrilled to be on her own down under. Billie, on the other hand, can't wait to become involved with the political aspect of saving the environment. She's taken a hands-on approach in the past, but now she can actually make a difference. Both girls couldn't be happier about the exchange, but things don't turn out as planned. Eliza gets herself into hot water break the rules for a boy while Billie grows frustrated with the time it takes to make anything happen in the political world. Before she knows it, she's headed for trouble. Will the time in different countries change the girls' outlook on life and jeopardize their place in the hosting home?

Up Over Down Under is part of the S.A.S.S. series (which I Love), but this is even better as it's a bonus book - two stories in one and it doesn't disappoint. I love the exploring new countries, new friendships, new families, and new boys. I loved how the stories intertwined because it deepened the story.

*book provided by authors at the ALA Midwinter Tweet up*

Where I got it signed and met Noah Harland who was really nice. Then we chatted a bit on twitter after the event where he mentioned that this is his first book and that he mostly wrote Eliza's adventure while Micol Ostow (author of the first S.A.S.S. book Westminster Abby and Crush Du Jour - awesome books btw) wrote Billie's story.

Spotted: Raised By Wolves cover

Isn't it beautiful?
I really can't wait to read it for a number of reasons

1. The Cover
2. Werewolves
3. The author, she's wicked cool and her books are clever and fun plus she likes monkeys

how can you not read her books?

Review: Stupid Cupid

Felicity scored a job - as a teen cupid. She has the power to create love matches by sending blank emails to the couple with potential. There are rule involved: each potential couple must have at least three points of common interests, don't hook up more than one person together, and above all learn from the matches that don't make it after the two week trial period. Felicity can't wait to test out her new powers. Soon she's juggling a green couple, juggling her best friend with three potential boyfriends, her arch rival with a creep, and a smart girl with a wise cracking guy. Will any of her matches survive?

A charming new trilogy filled with humor, disasters, friendship, and love that can't help but adore.

Read Chapter One

* Book Two Flirting with Disaster comes out in March *

Review: Heist Society

Kat used to lead a life of danger before she pulled her biggest con ever and walked away from a life of thievery to attend boarding school. Her enrollment last a few months before her old life comes crashing over her plans. She's framed for a prank, she didn't commit, but will nonetheless result in her expulsion from school. Quickly she realizes this dismissal is the work of an old family friend. He's here to tell her that her master thief father needs her help. Turns out her father's been set up too. Only the consequences are no where near as soft as being kicked out off boarding school. Kat secretly meets his deadly enemy and works out a deal. She has two weeks to find the paintings and steal them back. If successful, it will be the biggest job she'll ever pull off and also the most dangerous. Can she do it?

Gorgeous Cover! I fully admit that I LOVE Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, but this new series may be even better . It's my new favorite book. The combination of finding the art, the major art heist, saving a family member, and going against the family makes for a thrilling edge of your seat read.

The Downside: finding a new series you ADORE and then waiting for the next book to come out = painful.

Plus Ally Carter's coming to RJ Julia's in two weekends, totally going to meet her.

*copy provided by publisher at ALA Midwinter*

Also read this for 10 in '10 Challenge
because, how can you not love Hale and Kat?

HarperTeen's 28 Days of Winter

February may be the coldest month,
but Harperteen's giving away hot books all month long
Check out the calendar of goodies available

Contest: Win My Soul to Save

Rachel Vincent:

Check out her blog:

About the series:
Read the prequel My Soul to Lose

My Soul to Take: my review

My Soul to Save:
(my review)

Six weeks after Kaylee discovers her true identity, she and her boyfriend, Nash, attend a rock concert of a mega-star. Thanks to Tod, they're able to score backstage passes. While watching the performance from the wings, they view the lead singer collapse on stage. When Kaylee doesn't start singing, she believes the singer will survive. She is wrong. The singer dies without a soul. When Kaylee, Nash, and Tod talk with the oldest reaper in history, they learn she's coming back to take the opening act, Addison's, soul. Addison and Tod used to date. He convinces Kaylee and Nash to help save Addy's soul. When someone signs away their soul, there's a loophole - you can attempt to bargain with the hellions. Kaylee can't willingly let someone suffer for all eternity. Soon she's lying to her father, tricking Harmony into teaching her tricks to use in the Netherworld, and sneaking out to uncover answers. Before long, Addy's sister signs a contract. Now the problem deepens and it's a race against time to save two souls.

I adore these covers, they're flirty and soft, but show a strong female presence. My Soul to Save is the second book in the series and it's filled with danger, adventure, and romance. It's a perfect paranormal romance series.

Check out the book trailer:

Also check out the official Soul Screamer Page

* My Soul to Keep will be on the shelf June 1, 2010.*

Contest Rules:
*open to US residents Only*

contest ends Monday February 15th at Midnight
Three winners will win My Soul to Save

Leave a comment about your favorite type of paranormal books to read (witch, vampire, fairy/faerie, werewolf, or zombie)
and your email address

This contest is brought to you by Big Honcho Media

Reivew: The Ghosts of Lone Jack

Jared and his dad are spending the summer in Lone Jack, MI to be with Jared's grandfather. What starts out as a slow summer playing baseball and not having any friends, quickly picks up one afternoon in the baseball field. As Jared lets a fly ball soar over his head, he sees a ghost for the first time. She wants something from him, a key. Jared's not sure if she's real. When he talks to an old caretaker, he realizes that his vision might have been a ghost after all. There's residue left over from the Civil War battlefield in Lone Jack. As the summer moves on, Jared realizes that he's one the few who can see the ghosts. They're starting to become more existent. The townspeople could be in grave danger, and Jared must help solve the mystery of the key and help them find peace before it's too late.


I love the cover of this book. It's an interesting tween tale that will attract boys but reads like a YA novel at times. If Jared had been older, it could have been a crossover. I like the ghosts and the Civil War history.

Spotted: Huge? The Next Big Thing

ABC takes a look at turning this awesome YA book to a cross between Ugly Betty and Glee

Sounds intriguing - plus I LOVED this book

review: Ex-Games

Hayden and Nick have a history. Now that their best friends are all dating, is it only a matter of time before they hook up again too? Hayden half wants to believe this could be true, but the other half thinks Nick is just playing her. One minute he's sweet and then the next minute he's cold. So they flirt and then fight - then repeat. But things change when Nick challenges Hayden to a snowboarding competition after making some snarky remarks about girls snowboarding in comparison to guys. Now the gloves are off as the school parts down the middle. It's no longer about snowboarding, it's the battle of the sexes and everyone's taking sides. Will Hayden and Nick's relationship survive the competition?

I LOVED the battle of the sexes plot. The flirty banter between the duo sizzles in this sporty winter tale. The romance stands out, but the secondary plots of friendship, insecurities, fears, and limits really ring true. Plus the title and the cover are both eye catching.

Read for the 10 in 10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge

Spotted: Demon's Lexicon (paperback cover)

While I liked the hardcover version,
I LOVE this new paperback cover!

Spotted: Dark Flame

4th book in the series out July 6th!

Looks Amazing!
Thoughts?

Harry Potter Theme Park pics

Check out Hogwarts:



Also check out the site for FAQs - although they're vague on the opening day

Still, it looks wonderful - I really wish a letter was approaching my door as we speak.

Inside Out: from www.teensreadtoo.com

Trella is a scrub – but she’s not your average scrub. She has one friend and prefers to spend her time in the pipes rather than with the overcrowded living quarters of the other scrubs. They’re forced to clean the Inside for the Uppers. Trella doesn’t know much about the world, but when her friend comes to her and says there’s someone who wants to meet her, she’s suspicious. What she discovers is something she never imagined. Unknowingly, she starts a revolution. Now, people who once scorned her are helping her complete tasks, steal food, and giving her valuable information, all for the hopes of a better life. Everyone wants to know what’s on the Outside. Everywhere Trella goes, danger follows. The Pop Cops have captured her best friend. He’s sentenced to die if she doesn’t get to him in time. They’re watching her every move and questioning her acquaintances. Plus, she doesn’t know who to trust. She’s going by her instincts, but the last time a rebellion occurred, the leaders were betrayed. Trella’s hoping she trusts the right people and, with time running out, hoping that they find something that makes all their sacrifices worthwhile.

I reviewed this one for www.teensreadtoo.com
where I gave it a:


Inside Out is an edge-of-your-seat science fiction action adventure ride filled with twists and turns you’ll never see coming. Maria V. Snyder has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I love her Glass series and her Study series. I can’t wait to see what she and Trella have in store for us in the next book of this series.

Intrigued? Check out the first chapter here

* comes out in April*

Created: ALA Midwinter

Here's a video I made, still learning the editing process - so it's far from perfect...

what did you get that I missed?

Review: Scones and Sensibility

Polly LOVES books, especially romantic tales like Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables. Polly realizes that the world would be a better place if romance lived on as it does it books. So she decides to change the world. She decides that her sister's boyfriend isn't good enough for her. She decides that her best friend's father should not look for love on the internet, instead she will find a suitable woman for him. She also decides that she will pair up two unhappy singletons. She can work on her matchmaking skills while out delivering goodies from her parents' bakery. Will love blossom in the air or stink like her sister's burnt bakery creations?

A cute tale that made me crave chocolate croissants and other goodies. Polly is sweet, funny, and hopelessly out of touch with her world, which only makes her more lovable. A great novel for tween girls or anyone who loves matchmaking!

Winners: Lonely Hearts Club

Winners have been emailed. If you didn't win, there's still hope. There's a TWITTER party happening tomorrow night. Check out the details:

Join Lonely Hearts Club author Elizabeth Eulberg and Amy of MyFriendAmy for a Twitter party Wednesday, January 20, between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. EST!

*Be sure to follow Elizabeth @ElizEulberg and Amy @MyFriendAmy before the party!

*Join the fun! No one expects you or your tweets to be perfect; we’re just happy you made it to the party!

*Anyone who tweets during this hour using #LonelyHeartsClub is entered to win a limited edition Lonely Hearts Club t-shirt!

*Watch for questions from @MyFriendAmy and win awesome prizes including an iPod shuffle, $50 iTunes gift card or $25 VISA gift card!

*To join the party, you can use our official party tweetgrid or just search #LonelyHeartsClub on Twitter.

*Ask Elizabeth questions or chat with other partygoers about how excited you are to read LHC—just use the tag #LonelyHeartsClub in all of your party tweets! (This is added automatically in TweetGrid.)

Please don’t post any spoilers and don’t forget to pay attention to the time zones, the party starts at 8:30pm EST

Reminder!

Just a quick note to remind you all that the LONELY HEARTS CLUB contest ends Monday Jan 18th at midnight. Get your entries in!

ALA Midwinter

Tomorrow I'm headed to Midwinter in Boston
I'll be at the YALSA Happy Hour and the Twitter Meet up
Love meeting bookish people, maybe I'll see you there :)

Spotted: Red Pyramid

Rick Riordan's new book cover REVEALED with animation!
(picture above = background picture)

Thoughts on the cover?
I really like it and am eager to pick this one up!

Spotted: Spiderman 4 Movie News

Spiderman goes to high school debuting 2012

Reivew: Little White Lies (with spoilers if you haven't read the series)

Sasha's torn after Jacob's announcement. It's not that she doesn't adore Eric, but the questions still linger in her mind of what might have been. Still, she's made up her mind and wants to be with Eric. It's been a little difficult not seeing him all summer. Plus her summer wasn't the greatest as she didn't perform as well as she would have liked at YENT camp. Now, her head's a mess. She can't tell Callie, but she wants to tell Paige until Paige has boy troubles of her own. Soon, she just starts lying to everyone about talking to Jacob. Will all the lies eventually catch up with her?

I *Love* this series, but couldn't believe the ending of the book - proving that friendship means more than boys in an odd sort of way. Waiting for Rival's Revenge to find out what happens next...

Sherlock Holmes: a review

I found this enjoyable - witty, clever, loved the banter between Holmes and Watson, liked the superior intelligence of Holmes. Rachel McAdams was charming and amusing. The double crossings and knowledge sharing reminded me of the Ocean's 11 movies. I adored the scenery, the quaint English city and buildings. Plus, the ending's left for a sequel or two.

This will be one to show in the library.
Have you seen it?
What do you think?

Luv Ya Bunches

Katie Rose doesn't have any friend at school. She's really hoping that over the summer popular girl Milla will ditch her not so nice friends and want to hang out with Katie Rose. Mila's not too sure who she wants to be friends with, her friends aren't always nice, but she doesn't want to be a social nobody either. A new girl Violet enters and she's waiting to see which social group she should join. She's not afraid of resident mean girl Modessa. Soon Katie Rose befriends Yasaman who loves computers. She's made her own website where firends can chat with each other. When Milla's good luck charm disappears, the outcome changes everything. Will the four girls find their way navigating through social pressures?

The first book in a new tween series mention Myracles's characters from her other popular series TTYL. Luv Ya Bunches reads as a younger version of that series and will contain three more books. It's a very cute book - with IM chat and mini screenplays included. Tweens will love this one, I sure did!

Review: Demon's Lexicon

For as long as Nick can remember, his family has been on the run from evil beings and demons. His father died saving Nick's family so it's just Nick, his brother Alan, and his mother who hates Nick. Life sucks for Nick, but he attempts to make the best of it until his school world collides with his home life. When a brother and sister show up looking for help from strange dreams and markings that allow demon power, Nick wants them to go away. Alan, on the other hand, show sympathy and agrees to help the siblings. Nick knows that part of Alan's reasoning includes a crush on Mae. He reluctantly goes along with Alan's plan only because in trying to help them, Alan becomes marked as well. They need find a way to erase the markings. Just when the answer might be in sight, nothing goes to plan and suddenly everything is at stake. Will the brothers come out of this mess alive and still speaking to each other?

I know, I'm late reading this one as everyone talked about it months ago, but that how it goes. A dark chilling alluring tale with demons galore and a huge twist at the end of the tale. I'm interested in seeing where the next book will take us.

* picked up an ARC from publisher at a BEA *

Thoughts on Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Last night, I finished watching Buffy

There were parts that were amazing:

I love that it was a girl kicking butt show

I loved the relationships - between Buffy and her friends

and usually between Buffy and her relationships

I (obviously) adored Giles

I liked how Faith came back into play

There were times when I felt the show go off track

There were definitely things I didn't understand - like the monsters at the end being the same that took Buffy ages to kill just one...

But overall it was snarky, clever, funny, exciting, and enjoyable!

Spotted: Sneak Peek

Looking forward to book 2?
Get a preview here